wishful thinking
noun
: the attribution of reality to what one wishes to be true or the tenuous justification of what one wants to believe
Examples of wishful thinking in a Sentence
The idea that the enemy will immediately surrender is nothing more than wishful thinking.
Recent Examples on the Web
Stopping winter tragedies involves a practical plan that stretches well beyond just hope or wishful thinking.
—
Connie Etemadi, Freep.com, 17 Jan. 2026
Seeing the evidence in black and white can make letting go far easier than relying on memory or wishful thinking.
—Alesandra Dubin, Southern Living, 17 Jan. 2026
Temperatures are dropping fast in North Georgia, and while snow may have been wishful thinking a week ago, updated forecasts may have some more hope.
—Irene Wright, USA Today, 15 Jan. 2026
Avoid wishful thinking and any kind of scam or scammer later in the month.
—Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 15 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for wishful thinking
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Connie Etemadi, Freep.com, 17 Jan. 2026
Seeing the evidence in black and white can make letting go far easier than relying on memory or wishful thinking.
—Alesandra Dubin, Southern Living, 17 Jan. 2026
Temperatures are dropping fast in North Georgia, and while snow may have been wishful thinking a week ago, updated forecasts may have some more hope.
—Irene Wright, USA Today, 15 Jan. 2026
Avoid wishful thinking and any kind of scam or scammer later in the month.
—Magi Helena, Dallas Morning News, 15 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for wishful thinking
Cite this Entry
“Wishful thinking.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/wishful%20thinking. Accessed 27 Jan. 2026.
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